Fated Love: Zarina Yeva’s Soulful Wedding in Sayulita
In a story that feels written in the stars, actress and supermodel Zarina Yeva shares the heartfelt moments behind her dreamlike wedding to Michael J. in Sayulita. From a powerful first meeting to a soulful ceremony by the ocean, every detail was a reflection of destiny, self-expression, and intention. A celebration filled with emotion, symbolism, and style—told in Zarina’s own words.
How did your love story begin, and what made it feel so fated from the start?
Our story began at a Billie Eilish concert—but the truth is, I felt it coming before it happened. Just two weeks earlier, I had written in my journal every detail of the man I was calling in—his energy, his kindness, the way he would make me feel, down to his blonde hair, blue eyes, and even his height: 6’3 or 6’4.
When I met Michael, he matched everything I had written. And when I asked his height and he replied, “6’3 or 6’4,” I couldn’t help but laugh. It was as if the universe was winking at me, reminding me how powerful clarity and intention truly are. We are co-creators of our reality, and that moment confirmed it in the most surreal way.
Even before we met, I had a dream where I heard the name Michael loud and clear. At the time, I thought it was a message from my favorite archangel. But when I met my Michael, it all made sense. The signs were everywhere.
On our first official date at Catch LA, everything just flowed. We talked for hours, completely in sync. By the end of the night, we both instinctively marked our wedding date in our calendars. I wrote, “By summer 2025, I will marry Michael, the love of my life,” and he wrote, “June 2025—I’m married to Zarina, the love of my life.”
It felt like something out of a dream—guided, effortless, and meant to be. Looking back, I see how every moment, every choice, was leading us toward each other. It wasn’t chance—it was destiny, unfolding in real time.
What drew you to Sayulita for your wedding, and how does it reflect the spirit of your love story?
Sayulita is pure soul—it’s where I feel most alive, most present, most myself. There’s a magic in the air there that’s hard to explain but impossible to ignore. From the moment you arrive, you feel it—an energy that’s raw, joyful, and deeply grounding. The people, the colors, the rhythm of life—it’s all so vibrant and unfiltered.
It’s also the place where Michael and I took our first trip together, and where so many of our earliest memories as a couple were made. He has a home there, so it already felt like a part of our story. Choosing it as our wedding destination wasn’t just about the breathtaking beauty—it was about honoring a place that holds meaning, history, and heart.
Sayulita is where I go to recharge—to reconnect with nature, with spirit, with myself. It’s a place of ocean healing, of barefoot walks at sunrise, of music echoing through the streets, and stars overhead as you sip margaritas and laugh with people you love. It reflects everything I value: freedom, presence, connection.
To bring our family and closest friends into that energy—to share not just a location, but a feeling—made the entire experience sacred. It was never just about a wedding. It was about anchoring our love in a place that feels like home to the soul.
If you could relive just one second from your wedding, which would it be?
Walking down the aisle. I’ll never forget the feeling—roses all around me, the warm energy of our loved ones nearby, and Michael standing at the end, waiting for me.
His eyes were filled with love and tears. The way he looked at me in that moment said everything. It was pure, emotional, and deeply real.
Being surrounded by our closest family and friends, feeling their love and support—it was one of the most powerful moments of my life.
You chose a non-traditional wedding gown. What did that symbolize for you, and how does it align with your personal philosophy?
Wearing black was an intentional choice—one that reflected who I am and what I believe in. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of doing things differently, of creating meaning rather than following convention. I wanted our wedding to be a reflection of our truth, not a template.
Black, for me, symbolizes power, presence, and potential. It represents the vastness of the cosmos—over 85% of our universe is made up of dark matter, invisible yet full of creative force. That’s the energy I connect to. Black isn’t the absence of color—it’s the origin. It holds all possibilities.
In choosing to wear black, I was embracing the idea that we are the creators of our own reality. We don’t have to fit into existing molds—we can shape something entirely our own. That gown wasn’t just a fashion choice. It was a personal declaration: of individuality, of transformation, and of the limitless potential we carry within us.
Your wardrobe across the celebration was stunning. How did those six dresses mirror different versions of you?
Each dress was a piece of my soul in fabric. I didn’t just wear gowns—I wore energy. The Michael Costello dress felt like legacy and glamour. The Vera Wang Bride x Pronovias gown—my cosmic self. The Pronovias mini—playful and effortless. The beaded Atelier Pronovias mermaid—elegance in motion. Ese Azenabor’s couture—pure fantasy. And the sparkling after-party Netta Benshabu was pure joy.
Together, they told the story of my journey—bold, sacred, feminine, fun. They allowed every layer of me to be seen.
Your love story feels so divinely orchestrated. What advice would you give to someone still waiting for that kind of love?
Let love find you in your truth. Don’t shrink yourself. Don’t rush. Write down what you want. Be bold enough to ask the universe for it—and then trust.
The love that’s meant for you doesn’t need chasing. It arrives when you’re in alignment, when your energy says, “I’m ready.” And when it comes, it will feel like coming home to a place you’ve never been but always known.
Actress, Supermodel Zarina Yeva @zarinayeva & Michael J’s wedding
Credits:
Photographers: Ellen Von Unwerth @ellenvonunwerth
Stylist: Mike Adler @stylistmikeadler
Makeup: Petra Dianova @petradmakeup
Hair: Gabriela Medina @gaby_meriv
Wedding Dress: Vera Wang Bride x Pronovias @verawangbride x @pronovias
Dinner Dress: Atelier Pronovias @pronovias
First dance, cake cutting: Ese Azenabor Couture @eseazenabor
Party dress: Netta Ben Shabu Elite Couture @nettabenshabu.official
Rehearsal Dinner/ Cocktail: Custom Michael Costello @michaelcostello
Rehearsal Dinner dress: Pronovias @pronovias
Jewellery: @beegoddessjewellery
Shoes: Louboutin @christianlouboutin
Groom’s black tuxedo: Huntsman @huntsmansavilerow